She was barely hanging on right now, so who had time to cry over spilled milk? No matter how pissed or bitter she felt, she was stuck.


    "Walter, I ain''t asking for much. Just, for the love we once had, take care of Peanut. Let him be a normal kid if you can. I know you got beef with my family. If you do this, I''ll give you my life," Freya begged. Walter''s eyesnded on Peanut. The kid was clutching Freya''s hand like a lifeline, staring up at Walter with a nk look.


    After a beat, Walter sighed.


    He motioned to Peanut, saying, "Come here, kid."


    Freya''s eyes lit up, and she quickly nudged Peanut towards him, but the kid wouldn''t let go of her hand.


    She crouched down, gently ruffling his hair. "Peanut, go with this uncle, okay? He won''t let you go hungry and he''ll take good care of you."


    Peanut didn''t seem to get it, still clinging to her.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Freya thought he didn''t understand. She took a deep breath, pried his fingers off, and practically shoved him into Walter''s arms.


    "Walter, Peanut''s just a kid. He''s been through more than enough. Please, don''t send him back to the orphanage. He''ll get bullied there," Freya said, tears streaming down her face.


    Walter grabbed Peanut''s arm and stood up. "Freya, I''m not a saint. I can take him, but that''s it. I might find him a better family, get him new parents. How''s that sound?"


    His voice was soft, almost gentle, but his words hit Freya like a punch to the gut.


    Freya was stunned, staring at Walter in disbelief. She knew he could be cold, but this was next level.


    Walter went on, "Besides, I don''t owe you anything. Dumb choices have consequences. You''re just paying for yours, so don''t pin it on me. I''m taking Peanut. Take care of yourself. If you don''t want him back in the orphanage, figure it out yourself."


    Freya stood there, frozen.


    Every word Walter said felt like a knife to her heart.


    Walter walked past her with Peanut in tow. The kid stumbled along, reaching back for Freya but grabbing at nothing.


    Peanut didn''t cry or throw a fit; he just kept looking back. His eyes reflected the thin figure in the room, like he wanted to burn her image into his soul.


    Quinn had been talking to the cops outside. Freya''s fate was in Getty''s hands.


    If Getty pushed for attempted murder charges, Freya would probably end up back in jail, and a second stint would be way harsher than the first. Plus, Freya didn''t have the cash for awyer.


    Quinn saw Waltering out with Peanut. She nced at Walter''s face but couldn''t read anything.


    She looked back at Freya inside.


    Quinn asked the cops, "Can we go now?"


    "Yeah, you''re free to leave. Thanks for your cooperation," the officer said.


    Quinn nodded politely and turned to leave. Walter was already almost at the door.


    Suddenly, there were shouts behind them. Before Quinn could turn around, someone rushed past her and caught up with Walter.


    It was Freya.


    She blocked Walter''s path, staring at him with intense, swirling emotions in her eyes.